PETS
by Janene Zakrajsek
Road Trip or Jet Set – Pet Friendly Travel Tips
Pet friendly travel is a fast-growing segment of the travel
industry and hot trend within the booming pet industry.
According to a recent study by AAA and Best Western
International, more than half of U.S. pet owners take
their cats and dogs with them when they travel. While
dogs remain the most popular travel companion (58%), a
survey by PetRelocation.com shows that a growing
number of people are now traveling with their cat companions too and account for 22% of pet travel.
If you are planning a family vacation, weekend excursion,
or packing-up for a day trip to the beach, mountains, or
beyond, there are a growing number of pet friendly accommodations, amenities, and pet-friendly destinations/
activities for you. There are also more options than ever
in pet gear and accessories for every budget and for
everything imaginable under the sun… get ready to pack
another bag! With the proper preparation and a handful
of travel essentials, you can hit the road for a fun, stressfree pet friendly adventure.
Whether embarking on a short jaunt or a long trip, traveling by car or by air, THE most important aspect of successful pet-friendly travel is safety and comfort. Utilizing
a proper travel carrier or crate is important for both dogs
and cats, and when traveling by car, utilizing travel safety
seats and/or safety harnesses designed for pets are a
must for safety on-the-road. Condition your pet by positively rewarding and modifying their behavior toward the
carrier with food/treats. Leave the crate open while at
home to encourage short stays inside. If you’ve never
used a carrier, it’s important to test it out prior to the trip.
Many experts advise introducing your pet to the carrier
experience at least 10 days in advance of travel.
Our must-have pet travel essentials will help ease anxiety
and what could be a stressful experience, to create a
positive feeling of comfort and safety before, during, and
after the trip: A well-fitting collar with current identification
tags. A microchip registered with current contact information; this provides an extra sense of security for you in
the event of separation. A harness/leash should be used
any time the dog/cat is not in the carrier. A travel litter
box, litter, waste cleanup bags, potty pads. Food, treats
and travel dishes. A small first-aid kit for emergencies.
Bottled water is a best bet to avoid G.I. upset from unfamiliar water. Familiar items from home like favorite toys,
bedding, a special blanket, etc. Calming supplements
(non-sedative) are helpful to take the ‘edge’ off while being on unfamiliar territory. Use Comfort Zone Feliway®
(cats) or D.A.P. (dogs) spray and plug-in diffuser to
spread the ‘happy’ pheromones all over the carrier and
bedding, and also spray inside the car and hotel room to
help reduce stress/anxiety.
Be sure to check requirements where traveling to, and to
obtain necessary health certifications from your Vet. Your
pet should be up-to-date on vaccinations and flea preventatives before any type of journey that could result in
unwanted pests. Remember, if preparing for a flight, be
sure to plan well in advance and check with individual
airlines for policies/requirements.
With a little practice, the benefits of desensitizing your
dog or cat to the carrier/crate, the car ride, and the general anxiety associated with strange smells, sounds, and
places will equate to a more socialized and well-prepared trave